How would you maximize $40K, within these specs?

[RickToTheRock]

Hi ... been browsing PriceScope for a few weeks ... very helpful information so far ... my first post today, as I am now looking to leverage the expertise of this forum for some quality advice ... thanks in advance if you have some time to reply.

Big wedding anniversary coming up ... I pretty much have decided my budget is $40K for a center ... my wife would like to get as big as we can in a Round Brilliant, but I have my head set on a few things:

- She has G color today ... I think I would like to stay with that but could possibly be convince to go to H, if it really wasn't much of a difference and it was the right stone
- She has VS1 today ... could go higher or lower, for the right stone - but with the naked eye, I don't want to be able to see anything in the stone
- I think I would really like to get an Excellent Cut - Cut is very important to me - I am definitely looking for sparkle
- She has GIA today ... I would like to stay with GIA and not EGL, or anything else
- Her current stone has no flourescence ... I think I would like to stay with none

I am targetting a 2.5 but anything bigger would be fine/bettter ... really don't want to go smaller unless is really makes sense .. If I set the max at $40K, I am looking for advice on how to maximize that purchase.

Any examples, for educational purposes, would also be appreciated.

 

[RockyRacoon]

Here is an option I'd check out (just under budget, if you pay by wire):

3.0ct, H, SI1
http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/11660/

 

[Niel]

Don't discount AGS. I do believe they can have stricter ideal standards than GIA ex

 

[ecf8503]

Here are some top of the line stones to look at for starters -

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/d...ls/2.570-h-si1-round-diamond-ags-104068651001

http://highperformancediamonds.com/index.php?page=view-id-diamond-infinity-new&id=841

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2994225.htm

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3045742.htm

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2938285.htm

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/11576/

 

[marymm]

I quickly checked several of the vendors most highly regarded by PSers (WhiteFlash, Good Old Gold, High Performance Diamonds, Brian Gavin Diamonds), but found zero listings for exactly what you are looking for, i.e., ideal-cut apx 2.5ct G/H eyeclean.

Just for reference, I am linking the I-color diamonds I found:
WF - http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3045742.htm
GOG - http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/11576/
HPD - http://www.highperformancediamonds.com/index.php?page=view-id-diamond-infinity-new&id=841

Here's a link to the I-color diamonds at BGD at or above your carat preference:
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamond/brian-gavin-hearts-and-arrows/

BGD has a couple of H diamonds around your carat preference but both of them have crystals in the table area - at this carat weight I personally would avoid this - however, BGD does say they are eyeclean so it may be worth your while to inquire further to see if they are eyeclean to your preference:
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/d...nd-ags-104068651001#!prettyPhoto[gallery2]/3/

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/d...nd-ags-104065335001#!prettyPhoto[gallery2]/1/

Though smaller, BGD has a 2.283ct G VS2 diamond that is in your price range and looks beautiful:
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/d...nd-ags-104052377001#!prettyPhoto[gallery2]/4/

eta: not sure why the link format is not showing up anymore - I edited to re-do, but they still do not appear in the clickable format - sorry!

 

[teobdl]

The 3 ct RockyRacoon posted would be so very nice. H SI1 is the sweet spot for value if it's eye clean. It's not H&A, but it's 3 freaking carats, and AGS0. If you're concerned about not having a "super ideal", have GOG make a video comparing it to one of their similar sized "superior H&A's" in various light conditions, and see if you can spot the difference in light performance.

One thing to note about that 3 ct is that it's close to 60/60 diamond proportions (table and depth are both about 60%)--nothing to be scared of, just a bit different flavor. Some love it, others prefer a smaller table. Search function on PS can give some more information if you're interested.

 

[msop04]

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2938285.htm

Well, this would be my pick! [shocker, I know...]

 

[msop04]

The 3 ct RockyRacoon posted would be so very nice. H SI1 is the sweet spot for value if it's eye clean. It's not H&A, but it's 3 freaking carats, and AGS0. If you're concerned about not having a "super ideal", have GOG make a video comparing it to one of their similar sized "superior H&A's" in various light conditions, and see if you can spot the difference in light performance.

One thing to note about that 3 ct is that it's close to 60/60 diamond proportions (table and depth are both about 60%)--nothing to be scared of, just a bit different flavor. Some love it, others prefer a smaller table. Search function on PS can give some more information if you're interested.

This would be my second pick... or first if OP isn't comfortable with I color.

 

[teobdl]

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2938285.htm

Well, this would be my pick! [shocker, I know...]

Ya, this is SO perfect if I color is acceptable.

Also, I'm not sure how bad the inclusion is on the GOG H, but that would be a deal breaker for me if it's not eye clean.

 

[RickToTheRock]

So I found this 2.58 G VS2 GIA ... just under $40K with wire transfer ... basically this is the same price as the larger 3.35 I color, SI1 Clarity, AGS Rating, that was mentioned earlier in the thread.

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3066754.htm#

So the larger size is clearly nice, but what am I really sacrifing in going from a G to an I ... VS2 to SI1 ... GIA versus ASG. Would the experts be willing to sacrific the higher color and clarity to get a larger size? This stone will be set in a split shank platnum ring, with smaller diamonds on the shank. May or may not do a halo around it ... 25% chance of a halo.

Beyond the size, color and clarity ... I feel like I am not comparing apples to apples by looking at GIA and the ASG. I know it was mentioned not to discount ASG but I consistently see ASG stones priced less than GIA, for the same specs. Are they less demanding on their specs ... is an I ASG standard a G GIA standard? Any straight talk would be appreciated on this topic specifically.

 

[Gypsy]

EGL is not a good certification. You want GIA or AGS, they are the best.

"IGI and EGL are like large statewide universities.

GIA is Ivy League, and AGS is like the MIT rocket-science program.

A polisher or manufacturer sends each diamond (student) to the place it will get the best grade (earn more $).

The good to average go to the large universities (IGI/EGL).

The better ones are sent to the Ivy League (GIA / HRD) and a few nerds go to MIT (AGS).
Drop outs end up in a ‘program’ at a chain store or Joe's Bar & Grading Lab."
https://www.pricescope.com/wiki/diamonds/diamond-grading-report


You are fine with eyeclean SI1 or VS2 clarity. You won't be able to tell them apart from a VS1 to the naked eye. And you don't need to waste money on clarity.

Our best diamond vendors send their best diamonds to AGS.

So I suggest you adjust your specs.

I do agree with going down to H.

Here are some diamonds:
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/2.570-h-si1-round-diamond-ags-104068651001
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2994225.htm
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/2.58-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-114034

 

[diamondseeker2006]

So I found this 2.58 G VS2 GIA ... just under $40K with wire transfer ... basically this is the same price as the larger 3.35 I color, SI1 Clarity, AGS Rating, that was mentioned earlier in the thread.

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3066754.htm#

So the larger size is clearly nice, but what am I really sacrifing in going from a G to an I ... VS2 to SI1 ... GIA versus ASG. Would the experts be willing to sacrific the higher color and clarity to get a larger size? This stone will be set in a split shank platnum ring, with smaller diamonds on the shank. May or may not do a halo around it ... 25% chance of a halo.

Beyond the size, color and clarity ... I feel like I am not comparing apples to apples by looking at GIA and the ASG. I know it was mentioned not to discount ASG but I consistently see ASG stones priced less than GIA, for the same specs. Are they less demanding on their specs ... is an I ASG standard a G GIA standard? Any straight talk would be appreciated on this topic specifically.

That is a virtual stone. WhiteFlash is known for their in-house diamonds which have a superior cut. So only look at their stones that have 4 or 5 yellow star ratings on the stone listing line. I'll take a look.

 

[Dancing Fire]

So I found this 2.58 G VS2 GIA ... just under $40K with wire transfer ... basically this is the same price as the larger 3.35 I color, SI1 Clarity, AGS Rating, that was mentioned earlier in the thread.

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3066754.htm#

So the larger size is clearly nice, but what am I really sacrifing in going from a G to an I ... VS2 to SI1 ... GIA versus ASG. Would the experts be willing to sacrific the higher color and clarity to get a larger size? This stone will be set in a split shank platnum ring, with smaller diamonds on the shank. May or may not do a halo around it ... 25% chance of a halo.

Beyond the size, color and clarity ... I feel like I am not comparing apples to apples by looking at GIA and the ASG. I know it was mentioned not to discount ASG but I consistently see ASG stones priced less than GIA, for the same specs. Are they less demanding on their specs ... is an I ASG standard a G GIA standard? Any straight talk would be appreciated on this topic specifically.

That is a virtual stone. WhiteFlash is known for their in-house diamonds which have a superior cut. So only look at their stones that have 4 or 5 yellow star ratings on the stone listing line. I'll take a look.

As usual I'd agree with DS, stick with GIA/AGS in-house stones... I wouldn't go on a wild goose chase.

 

[heididdl]

Ooops I think he wrot [/I would like to stay with GIA and not EGL, b]

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I personally like VS clarity and would not go down to SI1 with that kind of budget. But that is up to you if you want to drop to SI.

I am not seeing anything at Good Old Gold or WhiteFlash, but either of them could call stones in for you. That is what I would do.

Here are some nice ones from James Allen. The only downside is that if you think you might ever want to upgrade, you'd be better off going with GOG or WF because of their better trade-in policies.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/2.61-carat-h-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-238840

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/2.31-carat-g-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-29028 (a tiny bit deeper than I usually like, but still a nice stone)

 

[RickToTheRock]

Thanks for everyone's posts ... very helpful! This discussion really helped me become better educated ... thanks again.

 

[RickToTheRock]

What does everyone think about this stone?

2.41 GIA
G/VS2
Excellent Cut/Polish/Symmetry
No Fluorescence

56.0 Width
62.10 Depth
34.5 Crown Angle
40.8 Pavilion Angle

Halloway Cut Adviser - 1.3

Price of $39K

 

[msop04]

^^^^^enabler^^^^^

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2938285.htm

Well, this would be my pick! [shocker, I know...]

OP, are you opposed to seeing this one IRL? The size difference would be very noticeable if the color was good for you.

 

[Gypsy]

What does everyone think about this stone?

2.41 GIA
G/VS2
Excellent Cut/Polish/Symmetry
No Fluorescence

56.0 Width
62.10 Depth
34.5 Crown Angle
40.8 Pavilion Angle

Halloway Cut Adviser - 1.3

Price of $39K

Nice. Can you get an idealscope? Or go to an appraiser with one?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Yes, numbers look good. As Gypsy said, get an idealscope image and a magnified image of the stone.

 

[RickToTheRock]

Hi again everyone ... same topic ... thoughts on this stone? I think it could be a strong contender for a purchase ... look for help on the below two topics.

1) I am looking to maximize my budget ... do you think this maximizes my budget or could I do better, in a 2.5 stone? I have decided I do not want to go to 2.49 or below ... need to be 2.5 or greater.

2) Any issues with the GIA Certification view, from the experts in this group?

Thanks for you help ... much appreciated.

 

[mrs-b]

Rick -

Have a look at this stone:

http://www.bluenile.com/round-diamond-3-carat-ideal-cut-h-color-si1-clarity_LD04246060?keyword_search_value=LD04246060

I had this stone on hold till this evening. I think it's now for sale, but they haven't taken it off hold as yet. If you look at a thread I have here in Rocky Talky called 'The Best I Could Do - No ASET or Ideal-Scope' - you'll see some extra photos BN provided me with.

This stone is apparently eye clean and its stats are fabulous. It's not a stone cold hearts and arrows cut, but it's incredibly close and, as someone said in my thread - it's better cut than 98% of the stones out there. Personally, I'd say 99% and over!

It's a massively good deal for the price, so take a quick look and snatch it up; it's 3.42ct H SI1 and just over 40k. If I was looking in your range, it's what I'd buy. The ONLY reason I didn't buy it is because I've decided to go a different route with my existing stone.

 

[AprilBaby]

I would take that big WF beauty!!!!!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

It gets very good on light return, scintillation, and spread, and excellent on fire (2.0 very good, worth buying if the price is right on the HCA). I generally like stones to get excellent on everything except very good on spread. So I would not consider this one without idealscope images and magnified pictures of the stone.

 

[pyramid]

I have noticed that some of the AGS000 ideal cuts get only 3 vg and 1 ex and they are supposed to be ideal cut without
the hca.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I have noticed that some of the AGS000 ideal cuts get only 3 vg and 1 ex and they are supposed to be ideal cut without
the hca.

I generally want to see the idealscope on those as well. I just know when the specs are out of the 34-35 crown angle and 40.6-41.0 pavilion angle range, there needs to be more information. Of course, I think when one is paying thousands of dollars, they should expect and idealscope image and a magnified image of the stone when buying long distance, period.

 

[pyramid]

I agree diamondseeker2006, I have read they may cut them different to get the ideal by changing star facets and pavillion halfs or other minor facets on the diamond, just wonder which they change though and how they know it will be better when that
information is not out here on the pricescope board. Different subject though, back to original posters questions.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I agree diamondseeker2006, I have read they may cut them different to get the ideal by changing star facets and pavillion halfs or other minor facets on the diamond, just wonder which they change though and how they know it will be better when that
information is not out here on the pricescope board. Different subject though, back to original posters questions.

Yes, I agree. I usually just recommend safe stones since people buying by internet don't have the opportunity to see several ideal cut stones in person to compare them.

 

[04diamond<3]

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2938285.htm

Well, this would be my pick! [shocker, I know...]

HUGE +1!!!!!

 

[RickToTheRock]

Hi PriceScope Friends ... thanks again for all the feedback and the ideas during my research. Just wanted to let everyone know that I successfully bought a beautiful stone - GIA 2.50 G VS2 ideal cut stone, and my wife loves it. I saw and researched a lot of stones and in the end, the stone I bought was from Union Diamond. The stone is VERY beautiful and my wife loves it! Union Diamond had a VERY quality stone at a fair price, and the service was excellent. Tony Rixom at Union DIamond, is a true expert in his field and had access to very high quality product, and in the end, I got the the stone I wanted below my budget. I wanted quality, and I paid for quality, and I feel very satisfied in my purchase. Also, the shipping of the diamond was very organized and professional ... five star service across the whole experience.

Anyway, just wanted to say thanks again for the PriceScope community and give a shout-out to Union Dimaond ... Union Diamond website URL below:


http://www.uniondiamond.com/